Westminster alumna Farhana Jiwa has been announced as the winner of the Alumni in Enterprise Photo Competition run by the University of Westminster’s Alumni Team. The new competition sought photographs that captured the spirit of entrepreneurship and shared a story about graduates’ enterprise journeys.
The competition was open to all alumni and invited business owners and freelancers to submit an image that captured their experience as entrepreneurs.
The winning photograph titled A Light Within was submitted by Architecture Postgraduate Diploma Professional Practice (RIBA Part III) alumna Farhana Jiwa, who has recently founded a bespoke lighting business. Inspired by her architectural background and a desire to connect with people through design, she created a unique piece symbolising global unity and shared values. This marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey into the world of lighting design, where she aims to create pieces that not only illuminate but also inspire.
Speaking about the lamp captured in the photograph, she explains: “The piece is inspired by the idea of global connection and shared values. To represent this, I designed it in the shape of a globe, symbolising the interconnectedness of people worldwide. Despite our varied cultures, histories and philosophies, we are united by common goals and principles. In a world of uncertainty and challenge, my piece is to evoke a sense of hope and unity, servicing as a reminder that everyone has A Light Within.”
There were two runner-up photographs also awarded in the competition. The first was by Italian photographer and birth worker Diana Hinek, a Digital Imaging and Photography MA alumna, who submitted a photo titled Gathering. After relocating to California and working in the film industry for several years, Diana founded Dear Birth in 2012, which is driven by a deep passion to capture the beauty of birth in all its rawness and empowerment. Gathering captures a mother labouring in water in the comfort of her home, supported by her partner who sits behind her.
The other runner-up photograph titled 6am at the Vatican, was submitted by co-founder of N2S Italia and Tourism MA alumna Letizia Anzalotta. N2S Italia is a Destination Management Company that specialises in creating bespoke, upscale experiences and events across Italy. The photograph shows Letizia standing alone in the Sistine Chapel at 6am for a private viewing experience.
Speaking about winning the competition Farhana said: “Winning this award is both humbling and inspiring. It’s a rewarding affirmation of the journey I've embarked on, from the spark of an idea to the creation of something that can make a meaningful impact.”
Reflecting on the winning entries, Laura Hughes, Head of Alumni Relations, said: “We have really enjoyed running this new competition and discovering some remarkable and talented alumni in the process. Farhana’s winning photo is bright and striking and is particularly special as it represents her first piece of art, a lamp, she created for her new business. Its representation that despite cultural differences we are all united by common goals, is something which feels very close to Westminster’s own values.
“Meanwhile, Diana’s photo truly highlights the important and very human-led work our alumni go on to do in the world and Letizia’s image really captures the exclusive and fascinating variety of places that her business takes her. Thank you to all our alumni who submitted entries.”
This competition directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, as it supports and celebrates entrepreneurship amongst the University’s alumni. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Entries to the Alumni in Enterprise Photo Competition can be viewed in an online gallery.
Find out how alumni can get involved at the University of Westminster.
